Western and Eastern medicineboth offer unique perspectives fundamental to healthcare today. You may be surprised to learn just how many Oriental medicine practitioners are already working in an integrative manner at health care facilities across the United States. Many prestigious medical centers including Mayo Clinic, University of California San Francisco, and Duke University Medical Center currently offer Oriental medicine and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments to their patients. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Western medicine can be defined as: “A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.” The history of Western medicine stretches back thousands of years—similar to Eastern medicine. The ancient Greeks were the first to look at the body from a human biological perspective. Hippocrates of Cos is often credited as the Father of Western Medicine because of his scientific descriptions of many diseases and their treatments. This is sometimes referred to as allopathic medicine or conventional medicine. The primary focus of Western medicine is to identify and treat specific conditions to allow the patient to recover. Eastern medicine, also known as Oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine, is the oldest codified system of medicine in the world. It refers to a range of medical practices that originated throughout Asia. Here are five major branches of Oriental Medicine:What is Western Medicine?
What is Eastern Medicine?
- Acupuncture
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Oriental nutrition and dietary therapy
- Tuina or oriental bodywork
- Tai chi and qi gong (mind-body-spirit practice)
The basic philosophy of Eastern medicine practitioners is to treat the whole person—encouraging a healthy body to prevent illness and speed recovery.
What is the Difference between Eastern and Western Medicine?
Western medicine tends to focus on diagnosing and treating a disease or illness based on a patient’s symptoms.
Eastern medicine considers both patient’s symptoms and an individualized diagnosis of a patient’s Qi (or chi). Based on various diagonstic procedures like checking the pulse and tongue, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses complex patterns of disharmony or imbalance within the body to determine a diagnosis usually as it relates to the whole person.
Diagnostic indicators are always viewed holistically to accurately assess physical and emotional imbalances of internal organs and restore a patient’s Qi, thereby encouraging health and healing.
Oriental medicine (i.e. Eastern Medicine) practitioners use natural forms of treatment that typically include herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, mind/body exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga), or massage, whereas Western medicinepractitioners often recommend pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, surgery, or psychological counseling, etc.
How Combining Eastern and Western Medicine Can Make You a Better Oriental Medicine Practitioner
Both types of care are very different, yet they each have a place in today’s current health care landscape. Many Eastern and Western medicinepractitioners are finding ways that their treatments can complement each other.
National University’s Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc) degree programs provide comprehensive education and training in Oriental medicine with a solid foundation in Western science, enabling you to become a superior alternative medicine practitioner.
Here are a few of the benefits of combining both types of health care:
1. You will become a more well-rounded diagnostician by combining Eastern and Western medicinepractices.
For diagnosing disease, Western medicine practitioners will typically perform a physical exam, check blood pressure, look at a patient’s medical history, or use X-rays and other imaging equipment. While Eastern medicinepractitioners will obtain diagnostic information through inquiry and external observation of symptoms, they will also test the pulse of both wrists and will look at the patient’s tongue, eyes, and overall color. They will use all their senses including, listening, touch, and smell to check for any signs of disharmony that a medical doctor might not otherwise notice.
In National University’s MSOM and MSAc programs, students learn to utilize both types of diagnostic tests, enabling them to determine more comprehensively what ailments patients are suffering from and, therefore, prescribe better treatment.
2. You’ll help fulfill the need for preventative and natural care.
Western medicine is reactive care that treats disease and other ailments as they arise. Eastern medicine,however, provides more preventative care that works to make sure body systems such as the immune and digestive systems are functioning at their best. Many times, these whole body systems, when not working properly or in disharmony, can be the underlying cause of diseases.
Today, many Americans are not making the best lifestyle choices concerning exercise and diet, and the preventative and whole body care that Eastern practitioners offer are more needed than ever. As an Eastern medicine practitioner working in the Western world, you will be able to help provide access to this much needed medical skill. In combination with Western medicine,you will be able to help patients have a healthier and more balanced life.
One key benefit of acupuncture, herbal treatments, and other alternative medicine practices is that they are non-invasive and cause few side effects. Before turning to prescription drugs or invasive surgery, Oriental medicine treatments are becoming more commonly used as a first-line approach.
In fact, the American College of Physicians recently updated its guidelines suggesting acupuncture and other CAM treatments as a first-line approach for low back pain, most likely due to concerns over growing opioid use. Unlike the morphine used most often in hospitals where patients are often on multiple medications, acupuncture does not run the risk of negative drug interactions nor does it have as many side effects. According to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, acupuncture may even be more effective.
3. You will integrate better with Western doctors.
Eastern medicine treatments continue to make major strides in the academic research community, which includes major medical journals. And more Western hospitals and health facilities are likely to incorporate them in their healthcare services. This requires Oriental medicine practitioners to work in collaboration with other medical specialists.
Even if you choose not to work in a hospital or large medical clinic but prefer a private practice, it is likely that your patients might be seeing a medical doctor too. Having a solid foundation in Western science enables you to speak the same language as your MD, DO, and DC colleagues. You will also be better able to discuss diagnosis and treatment options with your patient’s doctors and understand the kind of care already received.
How Does NUHS Combine Eastern and Western Medicine to Prepare You to Succeed as an Oriental Medicine Practitioner?
NUHS’ curriculum is comprehensive.
Alongside courses in Eastern theories and techniques, National University’s Oriental medicine students learn fundamental biomedical science and modern medical diagnostics including coursework in radiology, pathology, physiology, microbiology, and public health.
NUHS students train with expert faculty.
Biomedical and basic sciences courses are taught by traditional medical faculty with Western medicaldegrees and other doctorate degrees in addition to courses by Oriental medicine experts from Eastern countries including China and South Korea.
The NUHS Whole Health Center offers intensive clinical training.
National University’s on-campus Whole Health Center clinic provides Oriental medicine students the experience to work alongside other health care students and practitioners from chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and massage therapy.
NUHS invests in state-of-the-art facilities.
Because National University has several health sciences programs, including Oriental medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathic medicine programs, we are constantly investing in state-of-the-art facilities needed to provide a solid foundation in basic sciences.
NUHS facilities feature:
- Top of the line gross anatomy lab where Oriental medicine and acupuncture students learn Western anatomy and Eastern meridian theory through hands-on dissection of a human cadaver.
- Life-size 3-D interactive table called The Anatomage Table offers students, faculty, and clinicians access to an advanced digital visualization system to augment anatomy education.
- Large and well-stocked herbal dispensary where students learn how to correctly choose and prepare effective herbal prescriptions, granular preparations, etc.
- State-of-the-art Biochemistry lab where students learn Western and clinical lab diagnosis using latest equipment and technology.
- A comprehensive Learning Resource Center, one of the largest medical libraries in the area that houses a huge collection of books, print and electronic journals, ebooks, bibliographic databases, and more.
At National University, you not only have access to the kind of education and training needed to become an acupuncture and/or oriental medicine practitioner but the knowledge that will prepare you for the exciting future that lies ahead in integrative health care.
About the Author
Dr. Zhanxiang Wang
Zhanxiang Wang, MD (China), PhD, LAc, is a professor of Clinical Sciences at National University of Health Sciences. Originally from China, he earned his medical degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, his doctorate in integrative medicine from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Western medicine and Oriental medicine? ›
Oriental medicine (i.e. Eastern Medicine) practitioners use natural forms of treatment that typically include herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, mind/body exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga), or massage, whereas Western medicine practitioners often recommend pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, surgery, or psychological ...
How important is complementary and alternative medicine in our lives? ›Using therapies to help you feel better
Many complementary therapies concentrate on relaxation and reducing stress. They might help to: calm your emotions. relieve anxiety.
While Western and Eastern medicine may have slightly different principles, a 2019 article notes that the two approaches are similar, as they both aim to readjust the balance of energy within the body. Additionally, conventional treatments are starting to incorporate certain elements of Eastern medicine.
Can I mix Western and Chinese medicine? ›Chinese herbal therapies include single herbs, Chinese proprietary medicines and mixtures of different herbs. Any one of these three types can be combined with Western medicines.
What is one fundamental difference between Western and Eastern medicine? ›However, since Western medicine focuses so heavily on physical proof and Eastern medicine is more subtle focusing on the energetics of the body, the two systems have a long way to go until meeting eye-to-eye and working alongside one another.
Why people use traditional and complementary medicine? ›People want natural products and want to have more control over their health. They turn to complementary and alternative medicine to relieve common symptoms, improve their quality of life and protect against illness and diseases in a holistic way.
What is an advantage of using complementary medicine for treatment of an illness? ›Natural/healthy approach. Alternative medicine is all about re-harmonizing your body on your body's terms. Using natural substances like herbs and oils, alternative medicine is gentler than traditional medicine and typically doesn't cause side effects that damage your body.
What do you need to know about complementary and alternative medicine? ›Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is treatment that falls outside of mainstream healthcare. These treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.
What is medicine western and eastern approaches to healing? ›What Is Medicine? Western and Eastern Approaches to Healing is the first comparative history of two millennia of Western and Chinese medicine from their beginnings in the centuries BCE through present advances in sciences like molecular biology and in Western adaptations of traditional Chinese medicine.
How are Western and Eastern culture similar and different? ›Eastern and Western cultures have a different perception of power and power distance. Eastern cultures tend to have a very hierarchical structure, where Western cultures are more egalitarian. “Western cultures value independence and tend to promote individuals who are task orientated and individualistic.”
Is Chinese medicine Eastern or Western medicine? ›
Western (or 'conventional') medicine evolved in ancient Greece, while various eastern practices evolved throughout China and India. While both strive for the same outcome — optimal health and wellbeing — they evolved from different philosophies, which continue to influence practice today.
What is the difference between Western medicine and traditional medicine? ›Illnesses arise through imbalances in these forces, and Unani treatments seek to restore balance. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine similarly invoke the concept of balance. By contrast, Western medicine relies in part on the germ theory of disease, which states that invisible microorganisms cause many diseases.
Is traditional Chinese medicine better than Western medicine? ›They consider both types of medicines to have strengths and weaknesses: TCM being better in curing the root of the problem but quite slow in action while Western medicine is more powerful but sometimes too powerful with significant side effects.
What is the difference between Eastern and Western concepts? ›Western philosophy deals with Individualism while Eastern Philosophy is related to Collectivism. Both philosophies center on virtues. Eastern philosophy takes more of a spiritual approach while Western philosophy is more hands-on.
What are the advantages of using Western medicine? ›Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made significant gains in healthcare including a 60% reduction in the death rate from heart disease, a 75% reduction in the death rate from HIV/AIDS and a 16% reduction in the death rate from cancers.
How are the key differences between Western and Eastern approaches to ethics? ›The main difference between eastern and western ethics is the fact that Western Ethics is about finding truth, whereas Eastern Ethics are very much about the protocol, and showing of respect. Eastern ethics is much more about doing what is right in terms of what is expected of you by your family, society and culture.
What is the meaning of Oriental medicine? ›Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage. Also called Oriental medicine and TCM.
What is a doctor of Oriental medicine called? ›For all practical purposes and in reality, licensed acupuncturists, especially in the state of California, are Oriental medicine doctors.
What are the benefits of traditional medicine? ›Contrary to those beliefs, however, traditional medicine has proven to be quite effective in treating both chronic diseases and psychological problems, especially those associated with stress, which frequently stem from social alienation, anxiety or loss of self-esteem.
What is the relationship between traditional medicine and alternative medicine? ›Alternative medicine refers to therapeutic approaches taken in place of traditional medicine and used to treat or ameliorate disease. Integrative medicine refers to combining complementary treatments with conventional care.
What is traditional and complementary medicine professionals? ›
Background. Traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) are any form of medicine, practice, treatment, product, technology, knowledge system or ceremony outside of conventional medical practice that aims to prevent and/or treat illness and/or promote well-being.
What is the difference between traditional medicine and complementary medicine? ›Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used instead of conventional medicine.
What is the difference between traditional medicine and modern medicine? ›Modern medicine demands standard dosages that tend to vary only with bodyweight or severity of disease. Traditional healers are more likely to give their patients a unique dosage or combination of medicines that is concocted only during the consultation and based on the patient's symptoms.
How do you convince someone to use alternative medicine? ›- Do ask, they'll tell. The first and the most important point is asking patients if they are using herbs or natural health products or visiting an alternative practitioner. ...
- Explain the science. ...
- Be respectful and nonjudgmental. ...
- Collaborate. ...
- Compromise and negotiate.
Alternative medicine has helped people for hundreds of years and will continue to help people for years to come. Prices for modern medicine are skyrocketing and there are countless cases of people finding help and relief from alternative medicine.
What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine give a few examples of each? ›But complementary medicine is when these therapies are used along with traditional Western medicine. Alternative medicine is when these approaches are used instead of traditional medicine. Examples of non-mainstream medicine include yoga, chiropractic medicine, meditation, and massage therapy.
Does alternative medicine and complementary medicine mean the same thing? ›According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), alternative medicine refers to medical therapies used in place of conventional medicine (allopathic). Complementary medicine refers to medical therapies used along with conventional medicine.
What is the Western approach to medicine? ›The Western approach clearly divides the health from the disease, yet the Eastern approach considers health as a balanced state versus disease as an unbalanced state. The Western approach tends to change the environment and the Eastern way is to prefer to adapt to the environment.
Why is Western medicine called Western medicine? ›Western medicine has its roots in the Western part of the world, namely Greece. Experts credit the Greek physician Hippocrates as being the father of Western medicine.
How do Western medical doctors discover their medicines? ›Western medicine uses evidence-based approaches to discovering its medicines. It relies on understanding the cause of disease scientifically, the long-term effects of the disease, and the effect of the medicine. It concentrates to increase the quality of life.
How East and West think in profoundly different ways similarities? ›
Thus one major difference is that the west is heavily individualistic while the east is a much more collectivist society. Westerners tend to value success and self-improvement whereas easterners focus more on group achievements. Westerners also value personal choice and freedom more than easterners.
What is the difference between Western and Eastern individuals? ›Eastern cultures emphasize relationship interdependence, hierarchy and status, whereas Western cultures emphasize individual uniqueness and equality.
What are the common ideas beliefs and concepts shared by Western and Eastern philosophy? ›Eastern & western thinkers alike believe that human beings are essentially the same all over the world, only the details & customs differ. One could compare the fundamental ideas of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius (l. 551-479 BCE) with those of the Greek philosopher Aristotle (l.
Is Eastern or Western medicine more effective? ›Western medicine is reactive care that treats disease and other ailments as they arise. Eastern medicine, however, provides more preventative care that works to make sure body systems such as the immune and digestive systems are functioning at their best.
What is the difference between Western medicine and oriental medicine How do they treat the same disease differently? ›Western medicine provides diagnosis through lab test and it focuses on eliminating symptoms but normally fails to address adverse effects on the body. Chinese medicine focuses on the body's overall response to treatment and recognizes the body as one interconnected biosystem.
What are the similarities and differences between TCM and western medicine? ›In brief, Western medicine is primarily an evidence (laboratory)-based science, whereas TCM is more of a healing art based on the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements in the human body. Therefore, whether TCM and Western medicine could use similar philosophical approaches to treat disease remains unclear.
Why traditional medicine is better than modern medicine? ›Furthermore, traditional medicines are made from herbs and natural practices that won't just cure the specific symptom but they make a whole body in its healthy condition. So, traditional medicine is a passive or limited treatment but it provides an error free treatment for those symptoms without any side effects.
Can I mix Western and Chinese medicine? ›Chinese herbal therapies include single herbs, Chinese proprietary medicines and mixtures of different herbs. Any one of these three types can be combined with Western medicines.
Is traditional medicine better than modern? ›and also like it, the method is debatable Traditional Medicine considered less effective than its counterpart. On the other hand, Modern Medicine considered more effective since the approach and method they use are more specific in diagnosing diseases and how to treat them.
› blog › chinese-medicine-vs-... ›Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine
Eastern vs. Western Medicine: Can Tradition Play a Scientific Role? |
What is the meaning of Oriental medicine? ›
Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage. Also called Oriental medicine and TCM.
Is Chinese medicine better than Western medicine? ›They consider both types of medicines to have strengths and weaknesses: TCM being better in curing the root of the problem but quite slow in action while Western medicine is more powerful but sometimes too powerful with significant side effects.
What is Western medicine? ›(WES-tern MEH-dih-sin) A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, and orthodox medicine.
What is the difference between Western medicine and holistic medicine? ›Holistic healthcare is a form of medicine that treats the “whole person,” treating not the physical self, but also the emotional, spiritual, and mental facets as well. Whereas conventional medicine seeks to provide treatment for pain or the ailment, holistic healthcare focuses on both treatment and prevention.
What is the full meaning of Oriental? ›1 or Oriental : of, relating to, or situated in the Orient : eastern. 2 or Oriental, sometimes offensive, see usage paragraph below : of, relating to, or coming from Asia and especially eastern Asia oriental food oriental art oriental medicine.
What is a doctor of Oriental medicine called? ›For all practical purposes and in reality, licensed acupuncturists, especially in the state of California, are Oriental medicine doctors.
What is oriental method of healing? ›Oriental medicine works based on the significant energy of the body known as qi or chi. Ancient practitioners believe that this energy runs through the meridians (channels) in the body. This helps maintain and stabilize a person's spiritual, physical, emotional, as well as mental health balance.
What are the advantages of Western medicine? ›Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made significant gains in healthcare including a 60% reduction in the death rate from heart disease, a 75% reduction in the death rate from HIV/AIDS and a 16% reduction in the death rate from cancers.
What is the difference between traditional medicine and modern medicine? ›Modern medicine demands standard dosages that tend to vary only with bodyweight or severity of disease. Traditional healers are more likely to give their patients a unique dosage or combination of medicines that is concocted only during the consultation and based on the patient's symptoms.
Why is it called Eastern medicine? ›Eastern medicine Eastern medicine refers to a range of medical practices that originated throughout Asia. And although these practices have evolved over thousands of years, they still retain many of their original approaches to healing today.
What is the main characteristic of traditional Western medicine? ›
The main characteristic of traditional Western medicine as practiced by the majority of physicians in the United States is the: use of scientific methods.
Why is holistic medicine better than Western medicine? ›While Western medicine looks at physical components, such as physical symptoms and genetics, for the causes of illnesses, holistic healthcare looks at the overall wellness of the patient. This includes any possible imbalances, such as issues with mental health and diet.
Why modern medicine is better than traditional medicine? ›Efficiency: Modern Medicine was built around the model of running tests on sick patients to determine which drug or medical procedure would best deal with some illness. This makes Modern Medicine more precise in determining the diagnosis and how to treat this specific disease.
Why is Western medicine called Western medicine? ›Western medicine has its roots in the Western part of the world, namely Greece. Experts credit the Greek physician Hippocrates as being the father of Western medicine.